Mucha's Surprise. This custom ordered necklace features one of BrisingBeads special art glass cabochons, which is then embellished with bead embroidery in turquoise and hints of orange. The 6mm turquoise rounds set off the artwork perfectly.

BrisingBeads Designs

Kalamazoo, MI

Skylar Bre'z and Jaynee Michaels have been

friends for over twenty years. They work togetherto create striking and beautiful jewelry, using bead embroidery, gemstones and found objects. Skylar is also a doctoral student in History, at Western Michigan University. Jaynee is finishing her Masters in Anthropology.

BrisingBeads Designs have been worn by Las Vegas entertainers and well-known musicians, as well as businesswomen, teachers and CEOs. Necklaces have been sold in galleries throughout the U.S. Skylar has had work published in Belle Armoire magazine and frequently participates in online

* Do you have a method or source you look to use for inspiring your designs?

For inspiration, we often go outside and putter in the garden. Mother Nature really sets a great

example for patterns and texture and color combinations. Classic artwork is another inspiration

- Mucha, Van Gogh, anything art nouveau. We also use a lot of found objects in the bead embroidery, which pairs well with stones.

* How often do you work on your jewelry designs?

Jewelry design is a constant. Both of us keep a basket nearby, with individual projects in

different stages. Since we're both college students, often there's a layer of beads, then a layer

of homework, then another layer of beads on the worktable. The beadwork keeps us sane.

* How would you describe your design style or technique?

The design style is pretty eclectic. We're proud that in over 20 years, we've never duplicated a

design. Skylar's designs lean towards the bohemian - asymmetrical, funky, playing with unusual combinations of stones and materials. Jaynee's designs are more classic - fine details, pattern repetitions, color coordinated. Usually we consult each other, but work independently. Though Skylar would gladly let Jaynee do every bit of fringing!

* Do you work in any other mediums beside jewelry design?

Jaynee is a long time master of crochet and detailed clay painting. She dreams of getting back into pottery. Skylar plays with collage and quilting, which she wants to add to bead embroidery. Her recent obsession with felting may allow that to happen.

* What is your favorite stone to work with and why?

Jaynee's favorite stone to work with is anything in the quartz family (amethyst, citrine,